Foot-operated electronic device controller

Abstract

A foot-operated controller is disclosed for controlling a display device. The device is manipulated by a user's feet in order to send commands to a display device. The foot-operated controller can communicate with a display device either wirelessly or through a cable. The foot-operated controller may use buttons, joysticks, track balls, scroll rollers, infrared switches, or any other useful control mechanisms for sending commands to a display device.

1 . A foot-operated controller for sending commands to an electronic display device comprising:
 a housing;   a first control mechanism provided on a first level of the housing;   a second control mechanism provided on a second level of the housing; and   a communication module for communicating commands generated by the first and second control mechanisms to a computer system.   
     
     
         2 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , wherein the communication module further comprises a wireless transceiver. 
     
     
         3 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , wherein the communication module further comprises a USB connector. 
     
     
         4 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , wherein the control mechanisms comprise a traction surface. 
     
     
         5 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 4 , wherein the traction surface comprises a plurality of bumps. 
     
     
         6 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , wherein the first control mechanism comprises a button. 
     
     
         7 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , wherein the first control mechanism comprises one of a group consisting of a joystick, a roller ball, and a scroll roller. 
     
     
         8 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , wherein the first control mechanism comprises:
 at least one infrared generator for generating infrared light; and   at least one infrared detector for detecting the infrared light generated by the at least one infrared generator, wherein the infrared detector generates a signal when it does not detect the infrared light.   
     
     
         9 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , wherein said first control mechanism is configured to respond to a force of approximately one-eighth of a pound of pressure or more. 
     
     
         10 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , wherein said first level is relatively horizontal. 
     
     
         11 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , wherein said first level is sloped. 
     
     
         12 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , wherein said first control mechanism comprises a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         13 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , wherein said first control mechanism comprises a linear sensor for measuring the amount of movement. 
     
     
         14 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , wherein a pressure to activate said first control mechanism is adjustable. 
     
     
         15 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 14 , wherein a pressure to activate said first control mechanism is electronically adjustable. 
     
     
         16 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 14 , wherein a pressure to activate said first control mechanism is manually adjustable. 
     
     
         17 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , further comprising a software program configured to translate data from said first-control mechanism into computer commands. 
     
     
         18 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 17 , wherein said computer commands comprise keyboard inputs. 
     
     
         19 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 17 , wherein said computer commands comprise windowing messages. 
     
     
         20 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 17 , wherein said software program is configured to display a pop-up window. 
     
     
         21 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 17 , wherein said software program is configured to display a pop-up window that the user can size or drag to a desired portion of a display screen. 
     
     
         22 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , further comprising lighting provided to said first control mechanism. 
     
     
         23 . The foot-operated controller of  claim 1 , further comprising a switch to allow the user to select functionality of said first control mechanism.